Uphold Review 2025 – Any Good? and Who is it Best For?
Quick Answer
Uphold, rated 4.5 stars, is ideal for those seeking a user-friendly platform to buy and hold assets. It allows seamless trading between crypto, fiat, and precious metals. However, it may not fully satisfy active traders seeking advanced technical analysis features and more competitive fee structures.
Uphold Overview
- Minimum Deposit: No fixed minimum (trade from as little as £1 / $1)
- Buy, sell, and swap Bitcoin, Ethereum, and over 250 assets including stocks and metals
- Regulated in the US and serving over 10 million users globally
- Intuitive app and desktop platform with integrated multi-asset wallets
- Great for investors looking to diversify across crypto, stocks, and precious metals easily
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
Introduction
My first impressions of Uphold were pretty positive. I found the sign up and security processes very slick and non intrusive. Start to finish It can’t of taken more than 5 minutes.
The variety of funding options available is a plus, with speedy convenient options like Google Pay.
There is certainly a good harmony between the mobile app and the desktop version.
The user interface is defiantly in the minimal, less is more end of the market. You can easily understand why this exchange can be pitched towards beginners.
I had just a couple of gripes early doors. When buying some Bitcoin when testing I couldn’t help notices that the price chart is very minimalist. That and the fees. The fees, when compared to some of the other exchanges do seem a little steep. This is likely the price of convenience. Similar to Coinbase and Kraken basic, whereas the kraken Pro and Coinbase advanced trade versions have considerably lower fees. Here there is no such pro option.
What is Uphold?
Instead of solely focusing on cryptocurrencies like a regular crypto exchange, it functions as a multi-asset trading platform. This means you can buy, sell, and hold a variety of assets in one place, including:
- Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and many more popular options.
- Precious Metals: Gold and silver for those seeking a hedge against inflation.
- FIAT Currencies: Trade in familiar currencies like USD, GBP, and EUR.
Founded with the aim of making financial services more inclusive, transparent, and efficient, Uphold has evolved into a comprehensive solution for users to buy, hold, convert, and transact across traditional and digital currencies.
Key Features and Offerings
Multi-Asset Trading: Trade cryptocurrencies, precious metals (gold, silver) and national currencies (USD, GBP) all within a single platform. Diversify your portfolio effortlessly.
Beginner-Friendly Interface: Uphold’s clean and intuitive design makes it easy for newcomers to navigate the world of crypto.
Fast Account Funding: Top up your account quickly with various options like bank transfers, debit/credit cards, and even e-wallets.
Uphold Debit Card: Spend your crypto holdings like cash at any Mastercard merchant with the Uphold Debit Card (linked to your account).
Uphold - Multi-Asset, Low Minimums, Fewer Features
Pros & Cons
- Multi-asset trading (crypto, stocks, metals)
- Easy account setup
- FCA-registered
- Transparent reserve reporting
- Higher spreads on low-volume assets
- Limited advanced trading features
- Debit card deposit fees are high
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What are the Fees?
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What Cryptocurrencies are Available?
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How Safe is the Exchange?
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Who Is It Best For?
Uphold charges a 1% trading fee plus a spread, which varies by asset. Debit card deposits have a 3.99% fee in the UK. There are no withdrawal fees to UK bank accounts via Faster Payments.
Uphold supports over 60 cryptocurrencies, including popular coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP. While the selection is smaller than competitors like Coinbase, it covers most of what casual investors are looking for.
Uphold maintains a 100% reserve model, ensuring user funds are fully backed. It uses two-factor authentication and undergoes third-party audits, providing a strong layer of transparency and security for UK users.
Uphold is best for casual investors who want to diversify across crypto, equities, and commodities within a single platform. It’s particularly useful for beginners who prefer simplicity over complex trading tools.
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
Fees and Charges
Trading Fees
Uphold utilizes a spread fee system instead of a flat trading fee. This means the buy and sell prices you see on the platform are slightly marked up to cover their costs. The spread amount can vary depending on the asset and market conditions. While generally considered fair, these fees can add up, especially for frequent traders.
Key takeaway: Uphold might be more suitable for occasional investors or those prioritizing a buy-and-hold strategy, where fees have a less significant impact.
Withdrawal and Deposit Fees
Uphold generally doesn’t charge deposit fees, which is a plus. However, there are withdrawal fees that vary depending on the chosen withdrawal method (bank transfer, crypto network fees, etc.). Always double-check the specific fees before initiating a withdrawal.
What Stands Out in Their Crypto Education?
- Tip 1: If you plan on making frequent withdrawals, researching and comparing fees across different exchanges can help you find a more cost-effective option.
- Tip 2: Credit/debit card transaction fees: Using a credit/debit card to fund your account typically incurs a higher fee compared to other methods like bank transfers.
Is Uphold Safe?
We have written about this in depth as part of our page Is Uphold Safe?
Uphold employs industry-standard security practices like two-factor authentication, encryption, and cold storage for user funds. However, user reviews paint a mixed picture. While some users praise the platform’s user-friendliness, others have reported customer service issues and account lockouts.
The takeaway? Uphold implements solid security measures, but it’s wise to strengthen your account further using 2FA, strong passwords, and vigilance against phishing scams. Independent trust ratings can offer a broader perspective on Uphold’s security posture.
Any Good For Beginners?
Ease of Use
Personally I like the user interface on Uphold. Unlike some exchanges with complex layouts and jargon-heavy interfaces, Uphold clearly prioritizes clarity.
Buying my XRP while testing was straightforward, thanks to the clean design and simple navigation. This is a major plus for beginners who might otherwise feel overwhelmed. But I would really like to see some kind of price chart when making purchases of any crypto.
Educational Resources for New Investors
While Uphold doesn’t boast an extensive library of educational resources compared to some competitors, it does offer some helpful materials:
- FAQs: A comprehensive FAQ section addresses frequently asked questions about using the platform, cryptocurrency basics, and troubleshooting common issues.
- Help Center: The Help Center provides articles and guides on various topics related to using Uphold and navigating the world of cryptocurrencies.
Starting Your Investment Journey with Uphold
We have written about getting started with Uphold as part of our blog How to Buy Crypto on Uphold.
Uphold streamlines the process of getting started with your crypto investments with Simple account creation, multiple funding options and beginner-friendly trading interface.
Customer Service: What You Need to Know
Customer Service Channels
Uphold offers a few ways to reach their customer service team:
- Online Help Centre: This is the first line of defence, offering a searchable database of FAQs, articles, and guides on various Uphold functionalities and troubleshooting common issues.
- Email Support: If you can’t find an answer in the Help Centre, you can submit a support ticket via email.
Note: Uphold currently does not offer phone support, which might be a drawback for some users who prefer direct contact.
Response Time and Quality of Support
We did a little digging online for this one. Here’s where things get a bit more nuanced. User experiences with Uphold’s customer service can vary. However, their 3.4/5 Trust Pilot Rating is pretty good, compared with other established crypto exchanges. By comparison Binance is 2.1/5 and MEXC is 1.9/5.
Some users report timely responses and helpful assistance, while others express frustrations with slow response times or difficulty getting their issues resolved.
Finding a Consensus: While isolated negative experiences can occur with any company, it’s important to consider the prevalence of these reviews. Independent review sites can offer a broader perspective on Uphold’s customer service performance.
Uphold offers email support and a searchable Help Centre, but lacks phone support. User experiences vary, with some praising quick resolutions and others reporting slow response times. Consider independent review sites for a broader perspective on Uphold’s customer service effectiveness.
Conclusion: Is Uphold Right for You?
Assessing Your Investment Goals and Preferences
- Crypto Newbie? Uphold’s intuitive interface and beginner-friendly resources make it a great starting point.
- Looking to Diversify? Uphold’s multi-asset trading lets you dabble in crypto, precious metals, and even fiat currencies.
- Active Trader? Uphold’s spread fee structure and lack of advanced features might not be ideal.
Consider your investment goals and preferences. Are you a crypto-curious beginner seeking a user-friendly platform? Or a seasoned trader needing in-depth analysis tools?
Buy, trade, and diversify effortlessly
- Invest from £1
- Auto-pilot recurring buys
- Trade crypto, stocks & metals
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
FAQs
Is Uphold a Good Platform for Crypto?
Uphold is 4.5 star rated and user-approved for its versatility in crypto trading, offering a wide selection of cryptocurrencies and seamless fiat-to-crypto conversions. Features like automatic trading and easy portfolio diversification appeal to many. However, its fees and some trading limitations may deter advanced traders seeking more depth and lower costs.
Is Uphold legitimate?
Uphold is a legitimate and reputable platform, adhering to stringent regulatory standards worldwide. It’s recognized for its commitment to security, user safety, and transparency, making it a trusted choice for managing and trading various assets.
What does Uphold do?
Uphold enables users to trade, hold, and convert a wide array of assets, such as cryptocurrencies, precious metals, and fiat currencies. It offers a streamlined platform for financial transactions and investment strategies, appealing to a broad audience.
How much does Uphold charge?
Uphold’s fees are based on a spread model, varying by transaction and asset type. While it prides itself on transparency, users should check the specific fees related to their activities for clear cost understanding.
Can I withdraw my money from Uphold?
Withdrawing money from Uphold is straightforward, allowing transfers to both bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets. It supports withdrawals in various fiat and digital currencies, catering to a wide range of user needs.
